Former Royal Harpist Catrin Finch has revealed she is battling breast cancer.

The 37-year-old is currently receiving NHS treatment at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

In a letter published on her website she says: ‘I am currently dealing with what Stephen Fry has recently referred to as ‘something rather mischievous’.’

She adds that her Grade 3 breast cancer is treatable and has been detected early.

She writes: “I know that there are many others out there who will identify with my situation either personally or through the experiences of loved ones.

“After careful discussions with my team we have decided to cancel my current overseas engagements, but it is very important to me to keep playing and my music will no doubt help to give me focus over the coming months.

“I am therefore intending to fulfil as many of my UK commitments as my treatment will safely allow, including my forthcoming spring dates with Seckou Keita.”

Harpist Catrin Finch (Image: Rhys Frampton)

She adds: “I will, however, be taking a back seat from posting on social media for the time being, but will be back with you in the near future.

“Our team will continue to post news on the Catrin and Seckou Facebook page and Twitter @CatrinSeckou from here on in to keep you all updated.”

The family has asked for their privacy to be respected at this time.

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Born in Llanon, Ceredigion, Finch was the official harpist to the Prince of Wales from 2000 to 2004 and is currently Visiting Professor at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the Royal Academy of Music in London.

She studied harp with Elinor Bennett, who would later become her mother-in-law.

In 2003, Finch married the music and television producer Hywel Wigley, son of the former Plaid Cymru leader Lord Dafydd Wigley.

In 2009, Catrin went on to officially open a £3m purpose-built conference and performance centre, which had been named after her, at Wrexham’s Glyndŵr University .